A Systematic Review Of The Significance Of Sport And Diet For Physical Performance And Health

Background: Many people exercise too little nowadays and have a diet that lacks balance. This has negative effects on wellbeing, physical performance and on general health. Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the significance of sport and diet for health. Methods: Systematic analysis and evaluation of human studies - including prospective double- blind studies, epidemiological and retrospective studies, short term biochemical and haematological studies with surrogate markers - performed in the last 10 years and found in major electronic data bases, coupled to information in standard works and published monographs. Results and Conclusion: The promotion of sport represents a significant measure in terms of preventive medicine. For example, the exercise pyramid counts as a basis for required physical activity. In order to be able to improve sporting performance, a training regime must be built up in accordance with the principle of increasing exposure to physical effort by stages. The diet of athletes should - as for that of people who take no part in sport - be based on the food pyramid. Many athletes require additional nutrients. Though physical capability declines with age, it can be maintained and improved in old age by means of training. The positive effect of training on cholesterol levels and particularly on the heart and circulation is dependent on the intensity of training. Perspiration is a central regulatory mechanism for body temperature increased by training or sport. By means of perspiration and evaporation, electrolytes are also eliminated along with water. These have to be replaced. Many athletes confront the dilemma as to whether they could improve their performance using dietary supplements or other (legal!) substances. Currently, there is little data available on suitable substances.